Convallaria majalis Prolificans - Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis 'Prolificans' is a delightful and floriferous selection of double lily of the valley which produces floral spikes of several small bell-shaped, fragrant flowers tightly packed together in clusters. This variety blooms a little earlier than wild lily of the valley, in April-May, and prefers moist soils. A treasure for the garden and as a cut flower, this easy-to-grow perennial forms a delightful shady ground cover.

Convallaria majalis 'Prolificans' belongs to the Convallariaceae or Liliaceae family according to classifications. Its wild ancestor, lily of the valley or May Lily, is widespread in all clear forests of cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere (Europe, Asia, North America). It is very hardy and easy to grow everywhere, in sun or shade, but prefers light soil and moisture to flower and spread abundantly.

Convallaria majalis 'Prolificans' is a perennial plant about 12-15 cm (5-6in) tall which has a rhizome in the shape of fleshy claws and quickly develops into a deciduous carpet, densely colonizing the soil. This variety develops wide sheathing, lanceolate to elongated, oval, dark green leaves at its base, ending in a point. Each leaf is between 10 and 12 cm (4 and 5in) long with numerous parallel veins. The plant usually blooms in April, depending on the climate. The inflorescence is a branched cluster about 15-20 cm (6-8in) tall, adorned with about ten small, drooping flower bunches, on the same side of the spike, each composed of 3 to 5 small white bells. The flowers have a characteristic fragrance, with floral and musky notes. After pollination by insects, small red-orange berries containing seeds are formed. All parts of lly of the valley are poisonous.

Plant Convallaria 'Prolificans' along a shaded path, near the terrace, at the edge of the undergrowth or in a large pot. Combine it with small periwinkles, wood hyacinths, Liriopes, perennial Bleeding Hearts, or Ophiopogons.